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January a time for planning the perfect garden, says gardening expert

There are plenty of ways gardeners can use the winter to plant the seeds for a successful garden. ( iStock/Getty Images)

It's the time of year when — if the rain clouds disperse and the sun shines — it can almost feel like spring outside. And that means gardening lovers may start to dream about getting their hands in the soil.

While January is too early to start planting outside, one gardening expert says there is still plenty you can do to plot for success.

You can also think about rotating plants to a new position in your garden.

"Take a look at where you planted things last year and rejig it for this year," she said.

Be wary of planting indoors too early

If you're thinking about getting an early start by planting baby plants indoors — think twice.

"The trouble with planting seeds indoors at this time of year when people get excited is that your little seedlings will get too tall, too laggy and they won't be strong enough when you plant them out," said Siefried.

February is a better time to plant inside. Plants like leeks can get started then.

In early March, you can plant tomatoes and other heat-loving crops inside, Siefried said.

"If you choose not to plant seeds indoors, direct seeding stuff in March can happen as well, things like hearty greens," she said. " You can purchase tomato seedlings and other plants that require more length of time of growth at a plant sale."

Some plants like leeks can be planted indoors in February while heat-loving crops like tomatoes can be planted starting in early March, Siefried said. (Ganihina Daria/Shutterstock)

Check your mulch

Just because you shouldn't start planting doesn't mean you can't get your hands dirty.

Siefried says one non-planting activity you can do at this time of year is to check on your mulch.